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University Application Support

Extra-Curricular Opportunities available in preparation for University

The Brilliant Club

Number of student engaged: Approx. 24 a year

Working closely with a current PhD researcher, students prepare a first year university undergraduate level essay on a topic of their choice over the course of 6-8 weeks. As part of the programme, students attend a launch event at a research intensive university where they are taught a range of study skills, meet their PhD tutor and gain an invaluable insight to the university experience.

K+

Number of student engaged: 2-5 a year

K+ is a two year scheme that includes a range of opportunities for students including regular contact with current undergraduate students via the e-mentoring programme, academic taster sessions, support and guidance on applying and preparing for university and a week long summer school.

Sutton Trust US Programme

Number of student engaged: 3 a year

In collaboration with The Fullbright Commission this programme is aimed at giving students who are interested in applying to university in the USA a preview of life on a US campus. The programme will assist students through the process to make high quality applications to undergraduate courses in the USA as well as covering all travel and accommodation costs for the week long residential at a top US university.

Pathways to Law

Number of student engaged: 2 a year

Including a residential conference in the summer of Year 12 to take part in workshops, debates and lectures this programme aims to give potential law students an introduction to the profession and support them as they make their applications via e-mentoring, work experience and workshops.

Open Day Visit

Number of student engaged: ALL STUDENTS

In June of Year 12 all L3 students will be taken to an undergraduate open day at a Russell Group university. This provides an opportunity to visit a campus university and attend department specific presentations as students refine their course choices in the preparation for their UCAS application.

Extended Project Qualification

Number of student engaged: Approx. 15

Students undertake an extensive independent research project of their own choice and work closely with a chosen subject mentor in school to research and present their project. Beyond developing key research skills this programme allows students to demonstrate their depth of interest in a subject area that is a key admissions criteria for most highly selective universities.

Access Placements

Number of student engaged: Approx. 25

Week long work placements at a range of large and small companies and organisations allows students to experience first-hand what it is like to put their studies into practice. These work placements are often key to refining course choices, helping to shed light on career pathways and building a network of contacts.

Kids Count

Number of student engaged: 10

Students engage with a charity with the aim of giving young people a voice and brighter future. Workshops, fundraising and attending the Political Party Conferences provide an exposure to debate and critical discussion around key issues to the youth of today.

Futures (previously HEAPS)

Number of student engaged: 15

Mentoring, visits to open days, skills workshops and a four day East School at Cambridge all aimed at helping students to make informed decisions around their applications to highly selective universities.

Changing Futures

Number of student engaged: 5-10 each year

Onsite support for students considering alternative routes after school to University. Careers advice, apprenticeship guidance, interview practise and employability workshops.

Interview Preparation

Number of student engaged: As required

Students who are successful in securing an interview during the application process to university are given the opportunity to undertake a mock interview with focused feedback. Oxbridge and medicine applicants are sent on an interview preparation day during November.

London Academy UCAS Day

Number of student engaged: ALL

Full day of workshops and presentations led by the widening participation team at King College London with the aim of introducing students to the details of making a successful UCAS application. In particular there is a strong focus on organising super curricular activities over the summer break, planning and making a start on the all-important personal statement and discussing with Form Tutors thoughts around potential course choices and institutions.

Alison Wetherfield Law Programme

Number of student engaged: 1-2

Programme run by LSE aimed at Year 12 and 13 students interested in studying Law consisting of three masterclasses, a one day law conference and ongoing advice and guidance by current LSE Law students.

University of Oxford Shadowing

Number of student engaged: 1-2

Run by the Oxford University Student Union this one day experience involves each student being matched to a current undergraduate and then shadowing them for a day. Students will attend lectures, labs and tutorials whilst receiving a tour of the city, talks on student life, personal statement workshop as well as interview training.